Rehabilitation after an amputation

Rehabilitation after an amputation

After an accident or as a result of a disease or condition, a limb must sometimes be amputated. For people with an amputation, MedifitReha offers a rehabilitation program. During this treatment you will learn to make the most of your options, for example by using a leg prosthesis.

The treatment

One of the most important things you learn in the treatment is dealing with a prosthesis. You achieve this goal by doing a lot of exercises. You exercise movements that you need in general daily activities (ADL) such as housekeeping, hobby, sports, work and transport. Different therapists accompany you during the exercises and rehabilitation.

Whether or not an admission?

Rehabilitation usually takes place on an outpatient basis, and you then come to our location in Moraira a few times a week. Sometimes that is not possible. For example because you need a lot of care or can not live at home temporarily. The rehabilitation doctor determines together with you whether an admission is necessary. How long you will be admitted depends on your personal situation.

Rehabilitation trajectory after a leg amputation

First interview and research

Your treatment always starts with an intake interview with the rehabilitation doctor and a physiotherapist. A rehabilitation plan is made with the information that results from this research. The rehabilitation doctor discusses this plan with you and then the rehabilitation can be started.

Wound care

At the beginning of your rehabilitation, wound healing is the most important goal. The sutures are therefore still present in your stump. You must spare the stump, but it is also important to work on your physical condition. The moisture in your stump must also be reduced as much as possible. There are different methods for this. The rehabilitation doctor will discuss with you which method is most suitable for you.

Stand and walk with a prosthesis

The standing and walking training starts without prosthesis. You can slowly extend this training by walking with a practice prosthesis and with the aid of helpers. Before you can start with your own prosthesis, it is important that most of the fluid has disappeared from your stump. Your stump will then not change much more in size. When the time comes, the rehabilitation team, in cooperation with the instrument maker, decides which type of prosthesis is most suitable for you. It takes a few weeks to make your prosthesis. Then you start the standing and walking training with your – not yet finished – prosthesis. By training with the prosthesis, more moisture will disappear from your stump. Your prosthesis must therefore be adjusted regularly.

Further treatment

After rehabilitation in the rehabilitation center at home, you are expected to function as independently as possible, both with and without prostheses and aids. Therefore, during your rehabilitation period, attention is also paid to your home situation (occupational therapy). For example, if you need a wheelchair, crutches, rollator or transport aids, they can be requested in consultation with you.
During the rehabilitation period, regular attention is also paid to the processing and acceptance of your amputation. If you need it, the psychologist / psychotherapist can assist you with that processing and acceptance.

The end result

How long the treatment lasts varies from person to person. That depends, among other things, on the healing of your stump wound, your condition and your speed of learning skills. Together with the therapists, you work to ensure that you are as independent as possible at the end of the treatment. What that means in your situation depends on different things, it include the amount of your amputation, your age and the consequences of any additional illness.

REHABILITATION

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